Film and Television

Cast

Dave Bautista, Sylvester Stallone, Devon Sawa

Devil’s Station has finished shooting with Sylvester Stallone on board to reprise his starring role along with Dave Bautista, Jaime King, Lydia Hull, and Tyler Jon Olson. They are joined by franchise newcomers Max Zhang, Devon Sawa (Final Destination), Harry Shum Jr. (Shadowhunters), Malese Jow (The Vampire Diaries), and Sergio Rizzuto in the film, which John Herzfeld is directing.

In this installment, Ray Breslin (Stallone) and Trent DeRosa (Bautista) must join forces again in order to rescue one of their team members who is held captive at the penitentiary known as Devil’s Station, a prison where no one ever gets out.

The year is 2037. A natural disaster with global ramifications has given rise to a new America. The military is now the governing power, precious resources are scarce, and the common man struggles just to survive. We follow the story of Cara Gardner (Nicole Ann Hicks), a young woman whose family was torn apart by this new regime. Embarking on a challenging journey through war-torn America, she vows to reclaim that which has been taken from her. However, General Joseph Kellerman (Rick Montgomery Jr.), diabolic head of the newly formed UMA (United Militia of America), is hell-bent on preventing her from doing so. With all odds stacked against her, Cara labors on in search of her goal, meeting fascinating characters along the way. From 22-year-old director Conrad Faraj comes a cataclysmic tale of love and loss, bravery, and determination that will inspire, and leave you breathless.

Horror/thriller filmed almost entirely at the Ohio State Reformatory. When a turn of the century prison reformatory is slated for demolition, a grisly discovery is made. Hidden deep underground beneath the west cell block is a sub-basement structure that has not been entered in 100 years. Inside are the skeletal remains of several brutally slain children. As a CSI team arrives at the prison, an even more disturbing discovery is made that will eventually unveil a legion of seven demons and their even more chilling origins: each demon is responsible for one of the seven deadly sins. Seven deadly sins...Seven deadly demons...Seven more deadly ways to die... Written by Jeff Thomas

A.F.O. is a story of an American President (Harrison Ford) who, along with his Russian counterpart, strikes a blow against worldwide terrorism by capturing and imprisoning a Russian terrorist, Ivan Stravanovitch (according to Ohio Film Commission). Filming in Mansfield took two days, and 150+ extras were used in the filming at the Reformatory. (Other shooting sites include: Cleveland's Severance Hall, the Cuyahoga County Courthouse, and Rickenbacker International Airport outside of Columbus).

This all-star cast helped Stephen King's short story Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption receive 7 nominations for Academy Awards. The most rented/purchased video of 1995 has Tim Robbins as the "innocent" man convicted, and Morgan Freeman as the "lifer". Hope springs eternal in this unforgettable story of love, life, and sorrow. Tim Robbins must keep faith alive as his long journey begins at Shawshank (Mansfield Reformatory). The majority of the movie takes you through Mansfield's Reformatory, and some key scenes were also shot in Ashland County (Ohio), Upper Sandusky (Ohio), Malabar Farm (Ohio), Arizona, and the Virgin Islands, Robbins reminds his colleagues of the hope they once had. A must see! A semi true-to-life representation of prison life. Great Shawshank tribute page!

Two top-ranked cops, from separate parts of town and don't get along, get framed and are thrown into the same prison. The two must put aside their attitudes and forge a friendship to survive. Mansfield Reformatory is used for various backdrops throughout the prison scenes. The plot thickens as they learn who set them up and plan an escape.

This is a drama of two off-beat comedians trying to make a buck. When their career goes "down the tubes", they go "up the river”. Mansfield Reformatory is used as the middle section of the movie to house Harry and Walter. They befriend a notorious bank robber, steal his plans to rob a bank, and escape. Not to spoil the ending, but the two goofs, the bank robber, and the cops end up in New York in this mixed-up hilarious caper.

Music Videos

Righteous Vendetta - "War is Killing Us All" (2018)

Righteous Vendetta have released a music video for their ferocious single "War Is Killing Us All", taken off of their debut Century Media Records album Cursed, which was released in early 2017.

The video was directed by Vince Lundi and filmed at the notorious Ohio State Reformatory, which has held some of history's most infamous criminals and has also been notably seen as the backdrop for blockbuster movies such as The Shawshank Redemption. Much like the alleged ghosts that have been claimed to haunt the prison, Righteous Vendetta refuse to be silenced on "War Is Killing Us All".

Guitarist Justin Olmstead commented, "Everything came together perfectly for the ‘War Is Killing Us All’ video. The song is dark and aggressive, so we wanted to go at it in a unique way that would actually capture the attitude. Capture the mentality of twisted distress and borderline insanity, while portraying that most battles are created and sustained in our own minds, ultimately attacking ourselves. Vince Lundi and the crew absolutely killed it on our POV concept, and everyone at the Ohio State Reformatory was so cool in opening their doors and allowing us virtually free reign on sections of the prison to get the shots we needed to get. Everyone had such a great time hanging out and checking out the prison that it didn't even feel like a video shoot. Definitely an experience we will always remember."

Master T.C. & The Vistors - "Gotta Be Free" Ft. Art (2017)

Moonshine Bandits - "Take This Job" feat. David Allan Coe (2017)

“We would of never done the remake unless David Allan Coe was on the song with us and we had his blessing,” Big Tex tellsNash Country Daily. “Some people forget that David wrote the original, not [Johnny] Paycheck. So we definitely wanted David on this with us. We are very thankful.”

Made famous by Johnny Paycheck in 1977, “Take This Job and Shove It” was written by David Allan Coe and reworked by the California country rap duo to include on their latest project. Not only does David Allan Coe sing on the record with Big Tex and Bird, but he also stars in the duo’s new video.

“Working with David was incredible,” said Big Tex.“It definitely won’t be the last time you’ll see us collaborate on something. He’s very creative. He’s lived the songs he’s wrote so his stories on the road are priceless. We were very thankful to have him and his wife’s blessing when we worked on the song remake. It’s not too often you can get a text from a legend like Coe, that says, ‘Man, this video is badass.'”

Directed by the duo’s manager, Ken Madson, the video was shot at the Ohio Reformatory—a.k.a. “Shawshank” Prison featured in the movieTheShawshank Redemption—where David Allan Coe was once incarcerated for car theft. The veteran singer even filmed some of the video inside the same cell he once resided.

“Our manager, Ken Madson, brought us the idea of taking David back to the Ohio State Reformatory,” Tex recalled. “David was incarcerated there for years of his life, but now David is returning to the prison to film the video as a free man.This song is about feeling liberated and empowered to do whatever you want. It’s about letting your boss know that if he doesn’t appreciate your hard work, then you aren’t going to stick around.”

Amnesty International is teaming with Pittsburgh-based rock band Anti-Flag to speak out against indefinite detention, premiering the group's new music video, "This is the New Sound." Amnesty International and Anti-Flag have worked together on a number of important human rights causes, taking campaigns on tour with the band in the United States and overseas. A majority of the video was filmed at the Reformatory.

“Christy Angeletti is a cutting-edge singer/songwriter whose beauty and magnetism are only surpassed by her amazing sense of connection to the human experience and her ability to express it in song. A charismatic mix of insightfulness and hippie-chic sensitivity, enhanced by a whimsical yet kickass attitude, Christy Angeletti's writing articulates the sensibilities of the generation through her perspective. Themes of grace and strength radiate throughout her music.” DiMasso Design Productions, directed by Joseph DiMasso, First AD Bernie Stern, and Set Photographer Jay DiMasso. “If you had a heart,” was filmed in part at the Reformatory.

Miss May I is an American metalcore band from Troy, Ohio. Formed in 2006, they signed to Rise Records in 2008 and released their debut album, Apologies Are for the Weak through the label while the members were still attending high school. On September 2nd, 2010, Miss May I released their music video for "Relentless Chaos" Directed by Thunder Down Country. In December 2010, Miss May I then confirmed plans to be appear on Warped Tour 2011. The album (Monument) peaked at 10 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart, 15 on the Top Independent Albums chart, and 31 on the Top Rock Albums chart.

Attack Attack! is an American metalcore band from Westerville, Ohio, formed in March 2007 originally as Ambiance, later changing their name. The band left Rise Records in 2012 and were unsigned until their disbandment. The music video for "Smokahontas" was released on January 21, 2011 and was directed by Thunder Down Country films. The music video featured Sean Mackowski of My Ticket Home and Cody Anderson, the former unclean vocalist of In Fear and Faith. Attack Attack! performed on the main stage at the 2011 Vans Warped Tour.

"Go D.J." is the second single from Lil Wayne's fourth studio album, Tha Carter. The single's famous beat is produced by DJ Mannie Fresh, who also provides vocals in the song. The lyrics to the song are both written and performed by Lil Wayne. The single became Lil Wayne's first solo hit, reaching the top three on the US Rap Charts and becoming a top 40 single. The song was Lil Wayne's most successful single as a lead artist until "Lollipop" reached number one in 2008. The video is set in a prison (the Mansfield Reformatory) where Lil Wayne is freed from an electric chair. After this, he starts rapping the song. Birdman, Ronald 'Slim' Williams, Mannie Fresh, Gillie Da Kid, and C-Murder make cameos.

(As reported by Jan Demyan, our Volunteer/Tour Coordinator) "It was done by Universal Records and produced by Cyclops films. The video is called "Awake". The group is Godsmack. They came in on a Monday morning and were a great bunch of guys. It was a wonderful experience and all went well (except for the storm Wed night during the shoot). I was at OSR for 12 hours on Mon, 19 hours on Tues and 22 hours on Wed. The group and production company left about 9 am on Thurs. They all called me the queen of the castle and all hugged me goodbye. They will be sending a picture for the wall. All in all - a great experience. They restored 10 cells on 2 tiers in the old block." Please read the article in "Revolver, Issue #3: Jan 2001", or go to revolvermag.com for more!

We made it on their list coming in at Visit a Prison Museum (MRPS was heavily featured in the TV broadcast!), as well as Alcatraz. Also, when “Ghost Adventures” visited (recap) in 2009, they came to the conclusion that “evil spirits still prey on women, the elderly and the weak as they carry out their eternal sentences” at the Ohio State Reformatory (article).

Syfy

“Ghost Hunters”

“Ghost Hunters Academy”

In 2005, “Ghost Hunters” visited the reformatory and was part of the episode “The Lizzie Borden House” (Season 2 Episode 12). The crew saw various orbs or shadowy figures in several areas of the reformatory. Jason and Grant, lead investigators, decide to continue this investigation at a future date and requested any video and audio footage that could be sent to them. Later in 2010, an episode (Schooled at Shawshank) of “Ghost Hunters Academy” took place at the reformatory. The contestants were kept on their toes and at the end of the night one cadet said the reformatory was the hardest investigation because of the size of the building.

Fox Family

"Scariest Stories on Earth"

"Scariest Places on Earth"

On February 1st, Fox Family Channel filmed four teens from the Mansfield area for their Weekend show entitled "Scariest Stories on Earth". After finding the reformatory website, Fox Family wanted to use our building as a backdrop for filming teens telling scary stories at night. It aired for the first time March 10th, 2001 (Saturday) at 1:00 pm. We were also featured on the Fox Family Channel's program Scariest Places on Earth Wednesday March 28, 2001. The people from Triage Entertainment filmed out here earlier that month and the publicity from that was nationwide.

WEWS TV (Cleveland ABC)

Part of a “My Ohio” feature on WEWS by Leon Bibb. He explains some of the history of the reformatory and the paranormal activities occurring at the reformatory.

Videos

M.A.D. (Mad Against Devils)

Prisons or Streets, a rap group out of Pennsylvania/New York shot a few selected scenes around the old cell blocks of the Reformatory in February, 1996. Probably the coldest day of the winter; however, the shoot only took one day, and aired on the major music cable shows in May of 1996 (MTV, BET, The Box, etc).

City Within a City

Filmed by two guards from OSR in 1989, this 17 minute video captures various scenes of the yard. Good footage historically, it's a shame the State removed these buildings from the premises. Contains slight info on the following activities: psychiatric services, Laundry, Living spaces, School/college, Chapel, Hospital including a Pharmacy and Dentist, Fire Dept, Sanitation Dept, Grocery/Commissary, Welding, Shoe Repair, Machine Shop, Auto Body, Meat Cutting, Masonry, Carpentry, the Farm including a slaughterhouse, Maintenance Dept, Recreation facilities, and a cemetery. At the time this was documented, their were around 2400 inmates between the original building, J Dorm and E Dorm.

Tiny Sisters in the Enchanted Land

BeBe Miller and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Co. filmed on location in 1995 for a 28 minute modern dance video. Credits to the MRPS are included at the end and this video can be seen on Broadway, NY (Viewed by interested parties who know the video exists?) Anyway, several board members have seen the video and were delighted at the finished product. The prison never looked so artsy! "Fantastic footage", quoted Dan Seckel.

Blind Justice (Room 101 Productions)

Filming for "Blind Justice", an economical, black & white 1941 era type picture was also filmed in OSR. The Reformatory was rented by Room 101 Productions for a brief period to shoot some scenes.

We made it on their list coming in at Visit a Prison Museum (MRPS was heavily featured in the TV broadcast!), as well as Alcatraz. Also, when “Ghost Adventures” visited (recap) in 2009, they came to the conclusion that “evil spirits still prey on women, the elderly and the weak as they carry out their eternal sentences” at the Ohio State Reformatory (article).

Syfy

“Ghost Hunters”

“Ghost Hunters Academy”

In 2005, “Ghost Hunters” visited the reformatory and was part of the episode “The Lizzie Borden House” (Season 2 Episode 12). The crew saw various orbs or shadowy figures in several areas of the reformatory. Jason and Grant, lead investigators, decide to continue this investigation at a future date and requested any video and audio footage that could be sent to them. Later in 2010, an episode (Schooled at Shawshank) of “Ghost Hunters Academy” took place at the reformatory. The contestants were kept on their toes and at the end of the night one cadet said the reformatory was the hardest investigation because of the size of the building.

Fox Family

"Scariest Stories on Earth"

"Scariest Places on Earth"

On February 1st, Fox Family Channel filmed four teens from the Mansfield area for their Weekend show entitled "Scariest Stories on Earth". After finding the reformatory website, Fox Family wanted to use our building as a backdrop for filming teens telling scary stories at night. It aired for the first time March 10th, 2001 (Saturday) at 1:00 pm. We were also featured on the Fox Family Channel's program Scariest Places on Earth Wednesday March 28, 2001. The people from Triage Entertainment filmed out here earlier that month and the publicity from that was nationwide.

Walk the same halls as history's most infamous prisoners. Immerse yourself into the foundation that formed The Shawshank Redemption. Whether you're hunting for the paranormal or simply looking to tour the beautiful architecture, you can find it here at The Ohio State Reformatory.